Lincoln Public Schools Lincoln, Nebraska A Boring Life Critical Issues Forum Bryan Seck Homeless Outreach Specialist Lincoln Public Schools March 17, 2015

Lincoln Public Schools Lincoln, Nebraska Why Homeless in Lincoln? Domestic Violence Medical Issues Car Breakdown Unaccompanied Youth Lose Job Eviction New to Lincoln

Lincoln Public Schools Lincoln, Nebraska 28 year old mom, three kids $350 SNAP (food stamps) $450 ADC (Aid for Dependent Children) $150 blood and plasma donation $800 salary from Pinnacle Bank Arena (part-time) Total: $1750/month Expenses: Rent: $800 Utilities: $200 Car: $250 Food: $500

Lincoln Public Schools Lincoln, Nebraska

Youth Development Team Support student and parent access and use of district and community resources.

Lincoln Public Schools Lincoln, Nebraska Definition of Homelessness McKinney-Vento Act: A person that lacks a regular, fixed, and adequate nighttime residence Youth whose parents do not live with them- but instead live on the street, in shelters, transitional housing, or couch-surfing

Lincoln Public Schools Lincoln, Nebraska Student situations: Is in the foster care system? Lives in a motel with mom? Lives in CEDARS transitional housing? Is couch-surfing on the couch of his girlfriend’s mom’s house?

Lincoln Public Schools Lincoln, Nebraska What happens when a student is identified? Who refers students to the homeless liaison? Collaboration works. What can the district provide? Immediate enrollment Free/reduced lunch Transportation

Lincoln Public Schools Lincoln, Nebraska How can schools help homeless students succeed? Information Problem: First time homeless Housing Security, Food Security, School Security Follow up and follow through: Two Way Street

Lincoln Public Schools Lincoln, Nebraska Takeaways - The Strengths of the Homeless Scholar 400+ students across district are homeless Homeless liaison connects students to resources Parents want to provide- each family has strengths Resilience and Adaptability We will move mountains to get students the resources they need to be successful.

Lincoln Public Schools Lincoln, Nebraska Questions? Contact Information Bryan Seck (Office) (Cell)